Near Douglas City in Trinity County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Steel Bridge

By Barry Swackhamer, October 24, 2013

1. Steel Bridge Marker

Inscription. The Union Hill Mines, which began in 1862, were located up the western slope of Union Hill from the mouth of Weaver Creek, at the head of Union Gulch. It was one of the largest placer mines in Trinity County. Water was ditched from Weaver Creek and Little Brown’s Creek. In 1904, Peter M. Paulsen acquired control of enough claims, that he constructed a 15 mile long ditch from Grass Valley Creek, collecting water from Sawmill and Tom Lang Gulches. Paulsen constructed a 165’ bridge on two concrete piers to support a 5,000’ siphon through a 30” pipe with the outlet end dropping 300’ in elevation into a 6.5’ x 4.5’ x 570’ long tunnel that emptied into the upper holding pond at the mine. The overcantilever and flat steel bridge was wide enough for the pipe and a wagon. Paulsen sold to Trinity Consolidated Mining Co. in 1911. In 1921, Tacitus R. Arbuckle leased the mine, ceasing continuous operation, in 1928. The bridge was dismantled for scrap at the beginning of WW II.

Marker series. This marker is included in the E Clampus Vitus marker series.

Location. 40° 40.471′ N, 122° 55.135′ W. Marker is near

By Barry Swackhamer, October 24, 2013

2. Steel Bridge Marker

Douglas City, California, in Trinity County. Marker can be reached from Steel Bridge Road, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Douglas City CA 96024, United States of America.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on November 19, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of San Jose, California. This page has been viewed 299 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on November 19, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of San Jose, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.